Smoky Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken Recipe That Wows

Mastering a delectable grilled chinese char siu chicken requires patience and passion for bold flavors.

Aromatic marinades infuse tender meat with sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Succulent pieces promise a culinary journey through traditional chinese cooking techniques.

Fragrant spices and carefully balanced ingredients elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular centerpiece that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Regional ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of complex yet accessible flavors.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly simple yet impressively authentic.

Invite friends and savor every remarkable bite of this mouthwatering grilled sensation.

Why Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken Is A Favorite

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Marinate chicken overnight to infuse rich, complex Asian-inspired tastes that penetrate every bite of the meat.
• Master Grilling Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking methods by creating direct and indirect heat zones, ensuring perfectly caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare, suitable for backyard gatherings or casual dinner celebrations.
• Quick Culinary Adventure: Transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, bringing exciting Asian flavors to your home kitchen.

What You’ll Need For Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: A juicy and flavorful cut that absorbs marinades beautifully and stays tender when grilled.

• Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and savory Chinese sauce that provides deep, rich flavor to the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the marinade with its salty profile.
• Rice Wine: Helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle complexity to the overall taste.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and aids in caramelization during grilling.

• Five-Spice Powder: A traditional Chinese spice blend that offers warm, complex notes to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the sweet and savory marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasted aroma that is characteristic of Asian cuisine.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Add fresh crunch, visual appeal, and a subtle nutty texture to the grilled chicken.
• Lime Wedges: Offer a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the char siu chicken.

Step By Step For Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Rice wine
• Honey
• Five-spice powder
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil

Blend ingredients until smooth and fragrant, creating a deep, complex sauce that will transform ordinary chicken.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Fully submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring every inch is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2-12 hours, allowing flavors to deeply infuse into the meat.

Step 3: Prepare Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Create two cooking zones: direct high heat and indirect lower heat for controlled cooking.

Step 4: Dry and Prep Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, saving liquid for later. Gently pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to guarantee perfect caramelization and crispy exterior.

Step 5: Grill Chicken Initial Side

Place chicken skin-side down on hot grill. Cook 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy edges develop.

Step 6: Finish Grilling

Flip chicken and move to indirect heat. Baste with reserved marinade repeatedly. Continue cooking until internal temperature hits 165°F, approximately 15-18 minutes total.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Allow grilled chicken to rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Step 8: Serve with Zest

Plate chicken hot with fresh lime wedges on the side. The citrus brightness will complement the rich, smoky grilled meat perfectly.

Cooking Tips For Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken

• Marinate Masterfully: Refrigerate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow deep flavor infusion and tenderize the meat.
• Dry for Crispy Skin: Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels before grilling to achieve golden, caramelized exterior with perfect crispness.
• Baste with Precision: Apply reserved marinade carefully during grilling to build rich flavor layers without causing flare-ups or burning.
• Temperature Control: Use both direct and indirect heat zones on the grill to ensure even cooking and prevent charring while maintaining juicy chicken.
• Resting Ritual: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and flavor retention.

Ways To Switch Up Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken

• Oven-Roasted Char Siu Chicken: Swap grilling with oven roasting at 425°F, placing chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even heat circulation and crispy skin.
• Slow Cooker Asian Chicken: Transform the recipe by using a slow cooker, cooking chicken on low for 4-6 hours until tender, perfect for hands-off meal preparation.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating plant-based protein in the same flavorful sauce for a meat-free version that maintains the original dish's bold taste profile.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Substitute regular soy sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce and use low-sodium hoisin sauce to create a heart-healthy option without compromising the rich, complex flavors.

Perfect Pairings For Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a light-bodied, slightly chilled Pinot Noir with subtle fruit notes that complement the chicken's sweet and savory char siu marinade without overpowering its complex flavors.
• Asian-Inspired Beverage Match: Enjoy a crisp Japanese Asahi beer or a clean, refreshing Tsingtao, which cuts through the rich marinade and provides a palate-cleansing effect with its light, hoppy character.
• Citrus-Infused Side Companion: Prepare a zesty green tea spritzer with fresh lime juice, sparkling water, and a touch of honey to echo the dish's bright, tangy undertones and enhance the grilled chicken's aromatic profile.

How To Keep Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken Good

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place chicken pieces in a single layer to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with a little extra marinade to restore moisture.

Answers To Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken Questions

• Why use chicken thighs for this recipe?

Chicken thighs have higher fat content, which keeps the meat juicy and tender during grilling. Their darker meat absorbs marinades better and develops richer flavors compared to chicken breasts.

• Can I use different types of alcohol in the marinade?

While rice wine is traditional, you can substitute with dry sherry or sake. Avoid using sweet wines, as they might caramelize too quickly and burn during grilling.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F. The chicken should have a golden-brown exterior with crispy skin and clear juices when pierced.

Grilled Chinese Char Siu Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Chinese char siu chicken sizzles with bold marinade flavors, bringing authentic Asian street food straight to your grill. Caramelized edges and juicy meat invite you to savor this irresistible culinary journey through traditional Cantonese cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chicken stock

Marinade Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice wine
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chinese five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil

Garnish and Finishing:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame seeds
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a large mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic marinade.
2. Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, preparing for direct and indirect cooking zones.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the liquid for basting. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to promote optimal grill caramelization.
5. Place chicken on the hot grill, starting skin-side down. Grill for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and continue cooking over indirect heat.
6. Brush reserved marinade onto chicken during grilling, creating layers of glossy, rich flavor. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 15-18 minutes total.
7. Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
8. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken for fresh, nutty garnish.
9. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side, offering a bright, citrusy complement to the rich, savory char siu chicken.

Notes

• Ensure chicken thighs are at room temperature before grilling to promote even cooking and prevent tough, dry meat.
• Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to achieve crispy, caramelized exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Adjust grill heat carefully to prevent burning, using indirect heat method helps maintain tender, succulent chicken texture.
• Consider alternative protein options like tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, maintaining similar marinade and grilling technique.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg